KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 26

The discussions around the impact of artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs could result in improved skills and greater adaptations by the world's work force.

Ever since Homo erectus, or upright man, a type of early human, carved a piece of stone into a tool, the welfare of our species has been on the increase. Indeed, this technological breakthrough led first to the hand axe, and eventually to the iPhone. We have found it convenient to organize the most dramatic periods of change between these inventions into four industrial revolutions.

As each revolution unfolded, dire predictions of massive job losses ensued. Looking back at the first three, we can see how the concerns were misplaced. The number of jobs increased each time, as did living standards. Concerns over job losses are greater than ever with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A study by consulting firm McKinsey& Co predicted that 800 million workers could be displaced and about half may need new skills for new occupational categories.

When reminded of the experience with previous revolutions, the answer is often that this one is different.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 27, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.